This park is such a lowkey gem, especially if you're looking for somewhere peaceful to just unwind…read more It's not super crowded, which I honestly loved ! I was able to sit, relax, and get some reading in without any distractions. There's a senior living spot across the street, so you'll see some of the residents hanging out, playing games, and enjoying the space too, which honestly adds a really nice, community feel. The park itself is well-kept and clean, which always makes a difference. There's plenty of seating, and on a good day you'll catch a nice breeze with enough shade to stay comfortable. I also noticed a small skating area, which is a cool touch if you're into that. Parking can be a little limited since the lot is on the smaller side, but there's also street parking nearby, so it's manageable. If you're into running or just want a quick workout, they even have bleachers you can run up and down. Overall, it's a quiet, easygoing spot that's perfect for relaxing, reading, or just enjoying some fresh air.

Great place for any event. National city has stepped up and made some changes that make a great…read moreplace for those who need to take there kids to play in the park. And or take a brisk walk with your four legged friends.

San Diego's Best-Kept Open Secret How does a place this…read morebeautiful have so few reviews? I've been coming to Chollas Lake for decades, and I'm still amazed at how many San Diegans don't know it exists. I recently toured a home nearby, and even the realtor had no idea this lake was here. That's a shame because this is one of Southeast San Diego's hidden treasures. This can be a destination for dramatic views & sunsets. There's even several entrances. Each gate time open and closure is different. I walk here to give my thoughts to the trees, practice walking meditation, and simply soak in the peaceful surroundings. The eucalyptus, the water, the sunshine, and the open space have a calming effect that's hard to describe until you experience it. The best trails aren't always the famous ones. The recent renovations are fantastic. The trails are clearly marked, easy to follow, and nearly impossible to get lost on. They're gentle on the knees, stroller friendly, and accessible for many wheelchairs depending on the type. While most of the route is relatively flat, there are a few hill inclines if you're looking to elevate your heart rate. If you're new to hiking, Chollas Lake is also a great place to build confidence before tackling more challenging trails. There's a visible waking loop and other short dirt trails that weave through native shrubs, giving you a taste of hiking without committing to rugged terrain. There are shaded sections throughout, with only a few sunny stretches if you choose the longer route. Restrooms are available at the entrance, portable toilets are located around the lake, and additional restrooms are near the baseball fields. There's a playground for children, plenty of space to ride a bike. Fishing has always been a favorite activity here. One thing I've always appreciated is how well people care for this park. Visitors generally clean up after their pets, and the lake remains one of the most peaceful places to time with nature. Whether you're having a bday party, holding hands, training for bigger hikes, pushing a stroller, riding a bike, casting a fishing line, or simply looking for a peaceful place to think, Chollas Lake has a way of making everyone feel welcome. And to everyone who visits, remember that the ducks call this place home. Please enjoy them from a distance and treat the wildlife with the respect they deserve. This lake has been quietly serving the community for generations, and I hope it continues to do so for many more.

The walk trail can be short or long…read more Usually it takes about 30 minutes to walk the lake route. There are ducks to see on the lakes a lot of shade, and sometimes there is a slight breeze. Would highly recommend if you just want to get out and be one with nature.

Stumbled upon this place. It's hidden and blends into the neighborhood. And the entrance, depending…read moreon where you enter, looks like you're entering a hiking trail before it opens up There are multiple entrances, a baseball diamond, a large field for your dog and or to lay out with friends (which is what we did this day) and a jungle gym. We brought a soccer ball which was perfect since it's pretty large. There was about 7 other people in the park with us. A few were flying drones. A few others were throwing a frisbee. And the others were having a picnic. It's spacious and just when you think it ends, there is another area you can go to. Can walk from one end to the other end in about 10 minutes. There's a neighborhood adjacent to the park and I imagine most of the people in the park are locals. This place gets a four star not because it's a beautiful park but mostly because it's a bit hidden. There's not much to do but perfect for playing with my dog and not feeling crowded and having plenty of space to run around with a ball. There's also trails in which you can walk. I briefly went down one and then doubled back because I realized I didn't have much time. I doubt the trails goes pretty far based off of the park being walkable in about 10 minutes.

Cute baseball fields! The fields are located on top of a…read morehill next to a water Reservoir. The fields were beautiful on the cool spring Saturday morning in late March. There is: -plenty of parking, -decent restrooms, -lots of seating, -some shaded benches, -snack bar, -a score board sponsored by IBEW local 569 (the electricians union), - a cute T-ball field - a fenced off area with artificial turf This field is not located close to residences

I have three sons and we have played on a few leagues over the years, this is by far the best. The…read morefields are their own, meaning it isn't used by other sports/schools on off season. This keeps their fields always open for league use and much nicer than other places. The league is beyond organized and they have a nice snack bar and small equipment store. This league take pride in teaching kids and even though we have since moved out of the area we still travel to play with them!

This place is so big! Lots of nice picnic tables. Plenty of shade to sit under a tree or at a…read morepicnic table. A trash can is available for every three benches. This is a park where the trash cans are not overflowing. Also, ample parking! A phenomenal flutter of butterflies here! The park has decorative butterfly posts that are fun to discover. Lots of Hummingbirds also. There are public restrooms also, we did not utilize them but judging by how neat the park is I bet they are clean. This park also has an Adorable pre school age playground. It was 84 but a nice breeze and shady trees kept us cool. Get outside, it's great!

Good park . But be aware of the Coyotes . They will snatch small dogs if your'e not paying…read moreattention .

Small Park, but this is a good place to take a breather and walk around a bit. I usually just sit…read moredown and enjoy the little things in life that are still free. It's one of my quick get a way.

This is my son's favorite park to go to in the East County. It's a pretty clean park, with the…read morerecreation center located on the property this park gets a lot of maintenance. There isn't a huge homeless problem in this park either unlike other parks in the area. The park features a sports field, lighted ball diamond, a colorful playground, tons of walkways for cycling, walking and jogging and picnicking areas. The park is also home to the annual Fourth of July picnic and fireworks display. Next to the park is the Kennedy skateboard park which caters to skateboards, in-line skates, scooters and BMX bikes.

We decided to visit this location to get a nice low impact walk as a workout. The weather forecast…read moresaid that rain was expected so it was a quick 30-35min walk that we planned. When we approached the location, there was a co-Ed little league team ending their evening practice. There were about 5-7 cars of families packing up from the field and departing the lot. The parking lot can hold about 35-40 parked cars, with 2-3 handicap parking spots as well. The field is used by many weekend adult soccer players so Saturday and Sunday is normally jammed packed starting at 7am and ending about 6p. There are cars that line the streets in the neighborhood during this time. This recreational center is a very popular spot for little league games, adult soccer on weekends, the Neighborhood Festivals, birthday parties, recreation center clubs, and school break camps. The indoor space is rented to martial arts classes, birthday parties, baby showers, sports banquets, and other private events. The indoor space can hold about 40-50 people when they setup events. There is a half basketball court on the side of this recreational center but it is not marked up as a half court. It just has plain cement as a court, balls can be checked out from the staff when they are open. For Easter and other holidays they sometimes have special events that the City of SD Parks & Recreation Dept hosts, with our tax dollars, and they are great for the kids in the area. I especially like to see the "Teen Nights" as they offer at risk youth an opportunity to participate in meaningful and positive events. There is also free WiFi here. Overall, great location to take a walk on the field and nice place for little ones to play in the smaller playground.

You can never go wrong when you enjoy a brisk walk on a winter SUNday morning in your neighborhood…read more Tons of parking available off of Dusk Dr and a small parking lot adjacent to the baseball diamond. Remember, this isn't a park with a huge play area (jungle gym, multiple slides, tons of swing sets, etc)- it's an athletic field. Sundays are predominately for soccer leagues accommodating different age groups. That grassy field is huge & towered by mature eucalyptus trees. The baseball diamond has a set of weathered bleachers that look like splinters are happy to poke your butt when you sit down on them. There are men/ women restrooms available. I have a longtime friend who is an official AKBC (American Kennel Bulldog Club) Judge & she has used Penn Athletic Field twice a year to host shows. The community of Paradise Hills launched it's first community gathering here in December '17- Paradise Hills Night Market- which showcased many residents/ alumni w/in the neighborhood to showcase their goods (art, food, music, etc.). Please refer to my photos to see how you can obtain field permits.